Helmets? Really?

[Nick]

Can someone tell me what the purpose or the reason why the NHRA staff at the end of the tracks have helmets on now? Seems excessive and unnecessary....not to mention silly looking.

 

[MM]

Can someone tell me what the purpose or the reason why the NHRA staff at the end of the tracks have helmets on now? Seems excessive and unnecessary....not to mention silly looking.

Probably has something to do with the Melanie Troxel incident at the end of last year.

 

[Nick]

Probably has something to do with the Melanie Troxel incident at the end of last year.

I was thinking the same thing but, logic kicked in and told me "no way". Maybe one day they'll all have fire suits and SCBA's because of the risk of fire from a car. Jeez.

 

[Paul]

My guess is the insurance company might have requested the addition of helmets. Not a bad idea.

 

[MM]

Maybe one day they'll all have fire suits and SCBA's because of the risk of fire from a car. Jeez.

You mean like the guys on the safety safari? I guess they look silly too right? I think we've hit a new low point on the list of things to complain about.

 

[nitronoise]

I noticed it too ,, did not see it at the Pomona Broad cast, on ESPN3 , they were kinda goofy looking and I would imagine hot to wear as I wear my helmet on on the motorcycle in the summer religiously ,, maybe an individual tracks requirement ???

 

[twostep]

There's lots of TV coverage down in that area and maybe NHRA decided that helmeted track officials present a more businesslike, professional look. Agreed; not very high on the complaint list.

 

[DrRocket]

We should wait until someone sustains a head injury before making a move?

I think it's a good idea.

 

[Nick]

I'm not just complaining for the sake of complaining. I simply have an opinion about them wearing them. Plus, I am very curious about why they are wearing them. Meaning, did something happen? Was it NHRA's decision? The track's decision? Just pure curiosity as far as that goes.

Frankly, I'm getting tired of people getting criticized for voicing their opinion on this forum. Remember people, it's a forum! Full of opinions, personalities etc etc.

 

[DrRocket]

Frankly, I'm getting tired of people getting criticized for voicing their opinion on this forum. Remember people, it's a forum! Full of opinions, personalities etc etc.

People disagreeing with you is also an opinion, you know.

To be specific, this is the part of your post I disagree with, especially since I'm a corner communications worker for SCCA road racing events.

Seems excessive and unnecessary....not to mention silly looking.

That last part is your opinion. IMHO, a head wrapped with gauze to the point that you look like a walking Q-Tip doesn't look cool either.

 

[Rajunz]

I also just read where ESPN's insurance recently told them no more camera men at the starting line.

 

[Just Paul]

I saw an incident where a track worker was looking after one car, when another cars parachute came over and snagged him, and took him down pretty hard. Serious injury could happen at any time.

 

[Dave]

I also just read where ESPN's insurance recently told them no more camera men at the starting line.

If true, that would explain the center mounted robot cam they had in Phoenix that swiveled 360* to show both lanes.

As far as the helmets are concerned, NASCAR officials and team pit crew members used to go across the wall in blue jeans and t-shirts, then in firesuits. Then after an official and team member being hit, helmets were required too. I think if you are anywhere around a hot track or cars going by or working with moving the cars it's definately a great idea. It's far better to set the example then have to do it from necessity.

 

[stanzig44]

I also just read where ESPN's insurance recently told them no more camera men at the starting line.

Lance - where did you read that? I was wondering about that.
I did notice at Phoenix there were no ESPN cameramen at the starting line. All the starting line camera were remote operated. Even that starting line boom camera was on a stationary pole behind the starter. That seemed new.

 

[Nick]

All good points gentlemen.

I won't change my opinion about how silly they look though. Maybe NHRA can get them painted? Honestly, the plain white helmet does not look professional...just looks silly....despite the protection it provides.

 

[Toejam]

I was thinking the same thing but, logic kicked in and told me "no way". Maybe one day they'll all have fire suits and SCBA's because of the risk of fire from a car. Jeez.

I think Goggles and Bunny suits are just around the corner, remember these cars burn Nitro!

 

[none]

Paul is right, over the years I have seen a couple of guys get caught in a parachute and go down hard. It's not something that happens very often, but then Stockers don't crash very often either and they have helmets. What's the down side of being safer?

Just wondering Nick, did it ruin the race for you?

Alan

 

[Dry Hop Doc]

Hey, Woody Allen wore one in Sleeper. And he was just passing the orb around.

Doc

 

[scooter]

Alan,Are you going to have to wear a helmet during your top end Interviews now? LOL!

 

[Nick]

Alan,Are you going to have to wear a helmet during your top end Interviews now? LOL!

Thank you! That's the point I was trying to make. Where does it end? Helmets for interviewers? Helmets stay on the drivers until they are back in the pits?!

Alan, no it did not ruin the race for me. It simply got my curiosity bug irritated.